Dispensing device with cammed stopper



1966 A. J. PORTER ETAL 3,

DISPENSING DEVICE WITH CAMMED STOPPER Filed Aug. 31, 1965 FIG 1 g INVENTORS ALVIN J. PORTER ANTI/0N! W. 145% (Ht EW/TZ AT TORNEYS United States Patent 3,285,479 DIPENSING DEVICE WITH CAMWED STOPPER Alvin .1. Porter and Anthony W. Merchlewitz, Minne- The herein disclosed invention relates to dispensing devices for attachment to a receptacle and serving to dispense semi-liquids contained in the receptacle therefrom.

An object of the invention resides in providing a dispensing device adapted to dispense a semi-liquid such as prepared mustard from a collapsible receptacle.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a construction by means of which the water collecting at the top of the mustard will be retained within the receptacle while the mustard is being dispensed.

An objective of the invention resides in providing a dispensing device by means of which the semi-liquid may be discharged in ribbon form.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing a valve structure utilizing a nozzle having an elongated substantially rectangular discharge orifice and a stopper of similar shape adapted to enter said orifice and close the same.

An object of the invention resides in providing means for supporting the nozzle and stopper for relative rotational and longitudinal sliding movement.

Another object of the invention resides in providing cam means acting between the nozzle and stopper and serving to move the stopper into opening position upon relative rotational movement therebetween and upon relative axial movement between said nozzle and cap serving to produce relative rotational movement therebetween to bring the stopper into closing position.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter illustrated and/ or described.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a receptacle with an embodiment of the invention applied thereto and drawn to an enlarged scale.

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 and showing the stopper in closing position and drawn to a still greater scale.

FIGURE 3 is alongitudinal sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in FIGURE 2 and taken on line 3--3 of FIGURE 1 and drawn to the same scale as FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a plan sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 2 with the spout rotated to bring the stopper into opening position.

FIGURE 5 is an elevational sectional view of the structure shown in FIGURE 3 with the spout in open position and taken on line 55 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the cap, journal and stopper removed from the receptacle and with the spout removed therefrom.

FIGURE 7 is an inverted view of the spout removed from the cap.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention a portion of a receptacle 16 has been illustrated which is in the nature of a squeeze bottle constructed of some flexible material such as polyethylene. This receptacle has a body 11 with a neck 12 extending upwardly therefrom as shown in FIGURE 2. The neck 12 is constructed with threads 13. The interior 14 of the body 11 communicates with the exterior through a passageway 15 in neck 12 and through an outlet opening 16 therein.

3,285,479 Patented Nov. 15, 1966 "ice The invention proper consists of a cap 20 which has a spout 30 associated therewith. In the spout 30 is a valve structure 40 which controls the discharge of the semiliquid through the spout.

The cap 20 is constructed with a body 21 frusto-conical in form and in the nature of a tubular structure. A flange 22 extends outwardly from the lower end of the body 21 and terminates in a depending skirt 23 which is provided with threads 24 adapted to screw on to the threads 13 of neck 12 of receptacle 10. A gasket 25 forms a seal between the upper edge of the neck 12 and the flange 22 of cap 20. Issuing upwardly from the upper portion of the body 21 of cap 20 is a tubular journal 26 having a passageway 27 extending through the same.

The spout 30 is constructed of a flexible material the same as receptacle 10 in the form of a truncated pyramid whose configuration is modified for ornamented appearance. The interior of this spout has a bore 31 which receives the journal 26 of the cap 20. This bore engages a collar 28 formed on the journal 26 of cap 20 and is rotatably and slidably mounted thereon. The collar 28 is of slightly greater diameter than the journal proper. Issuing inwardly from the lower end of the spout 30 is an annular bead 32 which fits the outer surface of the journal 26 of cap 20 and is rotatably and slidably mounted thereon. The spout 30 being also constructed of a flexible material the bead 32 can be forced over the collar 28 by engagement with a conical surface 29 formed on the journal 26. The bead 32 when having passed the collar 28 holds the spout 30 in place for rotating and longitudinal sliding movement relative to the journal 26.

The spout 30 includes a substantially rectangular outlet orifice 33 forming part of the valve structure 40 and which is formed with curved ends 36. The spout 30 is further formed with a tapered chamber 34 which communicates with the outlet orifice 33 and with a cylindrical chamber 35 extending downwardly below said chamber 34. This latter chamber is of smaller diameter than the bore 31 and lies in continuation thereof.

Cooperating with the orifice 33 of spout 30 is a stopper 41. This stopper is substantially rectangular in cross section and is formed with curved edges 42 to fit the curved ends 36 of outlet orifice 33. This stopper extends upwardly from a disk 43 which fits into the cylindrical chamber 35 of spout 30. The stopper 41 is adapted to enter into orifice 33 and the disk 43 is adapted to enter into the cylindrical chamber 35 as shown in FIGURE 2. When so disposed the valve structure 40 is closed, as shown in FIGURE 2.

The disk 43 is connected by means of a bridge 44 with the upper end of the journal 26. This construction provides ports 45 between the disk and journal and which communicate with the passageway 27 within said journal. By means of this construction the stopper 41 is supported on the journal 26 and is an integral part of the cap 20 and still provides communication between the passageway 27 and the chamber 34 when the valve structure is open.

The chamber 34 is formed with two tapered planiform side surfaces 37 which extend from the upper end of the chamber 35 convergingly to the orifice 33. These surfaces 37 serve as cams which engage the outer end 46 of stopper 41, the outer end 46 serving as a cam follower.

The operation of the invention is as follows: mustard or any other suitable semi-liquid to be dispensed is inser-ted into the receptacle 10 through the outlet opening 16 and the cap 20 screwed on the threads 13 of neck 12 of said receptacle. With the parts arranged as in FIGURE 2 the valve structure 40 is closed and squeezing of the receptacle 10 produces no discharge of the contents through the outlet -orifice '33 since the outer end 4-6 of stopper 41 closes this orifice and since the disk 43 is in the cylindrical chamber 35 which further obstructs the passage of the semi-liquid out of (the spout 30. When, however the spout 30 is rotated in either direction the cam follower 46 engages the cam 37 and cause outward movement of the spout 30. Such outward movement raises the spout above the stopper 41 and likewise raises the spout to a position where the disk 43 is disposed below the chamber 35. In such position the contents of the receptacle is adapted to enter the passageway 27, pass through the ports 45 between disk 43 and journal 26 into the bore 31, through the space between the upper end of disk 43 and the shoulder 38 formed between the chamber 35 and port 31, int-o the chamber 34 and through the discharge orifice 33. Upon squeezing the receptacle the contents may be discharged therefrom in ribbon form. The parts then become arranged as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5. Upon. pressing the spout 30 toward the cap the end 46 of stopper 41 again engages the surfaces 37 forming the cams of the valve structure and rotate the spout relative to cap 20 thus directing the stopper 41 into orifice 33 and the disk 43 into chamber 35.

When the device is used for dispensing mustard it frequently occurs that water is segregated from the mustard preparation and floats on top of the same. To prevent the discharge of water from the device a separating device 50 is employed. This separating device includes a conduit 51 of substantially the same diameter as the journal 26 and having a passageway 52 therein communicating with the passageway 27 in journal 26 and with the interior 14 of the receptacle 10. The lower end 53 of the conduit 51 lies substantially at the lower end 54 of skirt 23. By means of this construction a chamber 55 is formed within the cap 20 and which extends into the passageway 15 in neck 12. When the receptacle is inverted for the purpose of dispensing the contents thereof, the water flows into the chamber 55 before the substance to be dispensed reaches the inlet 56 to the passageway 52. When the parts are so inverted and valve structure opened only the substance to be dispensed is discharged through the outlet orifice 33.

The advantages of the invention are manifest. The device can be constructed with readily available equip ment from suitable plastic materials now sold for the purpose. Assembly of the parts is procured by merely pressing the spout upon the journal 26 and forcing the bead 32 past the collar 28. The stopper 41 entering chamber 34 immediately engages the cams 37 and is directed into valve closing position as shown in FIG. 2, when the lower surface 47 of spout 30 engages a shoulder 48 formed on the upper end of the body 21 of cap 20. The device is simple to operate and easily manipulated to produce the desired results. The device can be constructed at a nominal expense so that the same and the receptacle with which it is to be used can be discarded after the contents of the receptacle have been discharged therefrom.

Changes in the specific form of the invention, as herein described, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:

1. In a dispensing device for semi-liquid substances having a receptacle provided with an outlet opening and means for ejecting the substance outwardly from the receptacle and through said opening, the combination of,

(a) a cap having a body mounted on said receptacle over said outlet opening,

(b) a journal on said cap extending outwardly of said (c) said journal having a longitudinal passageway therethrough communicating at its inner end with the interior of said receptacle and being open at its outer end,

(d) a spout mounted on said journal and formed with a bore rotatably receiving said journal and supporting the spout and cap for relative rotational and axial movement,

(c) said spout having a cavity therein terminating in a discharge orifice having a non-circular outline and communicating with the passageway in said journal,

(f) a stopper having a non-circular cross-section and carried by said journal at the outer end thereof and adapted at one axial position of said spout relative to said cap to enter and close said discharge orifice and at another axial position to open said dicharge orifice, and

(g) cam means on the cavity surface of said spout engageable with said stopper and withdrawing said stopper from said outlet upon relative rotation between said stopper and said spout.

2. In a dispensing device for semi-liquid substances having a receptacle provided with an outletopening and means for ejecting the substance outwardly from the receptacle and through said opening, the combination of,

(a) a cap having a body mounted on said receptacle over said outlet opening,

(b) a journal on said cap extending outwardly of said body,

(c) said journal having a longitudinal passageway therethrough communicating at its inner end with the interior of said receptacle and being open at its outer end,

(d) a spout mounted on said journal and formed with a bore rotatably receiving said journal and supporting the spout and cap for relative rotational and axial movement,

(e) said spout having a cavity therein terminating in a substantially rectangular discharge orifice, and communicating with the passageway in said journal,

(f) a stopper carried by said journal and having an end substantially rectangular in cross section adapted When the spout is in its innermost position relative to said journal to enter and fill said discharge orifice and close said orifice, and

(g) cam means on said spout extending up to said orifice and engaging the substantially rectangular end of said stopper and upon relative rotation between said spout and cap withdrawing said stopper from said orifice, said cam means when the spout is in its outermost position upon axial movement of said spout toward said cap directing said stopper into said orifice.

3. In a dispensing device for semi-liquid substances having a receptacle provided with an outlet opening and means for ejecting the substance outwardly from the receptacle and through said opening, the combination of,

(a) a cap having a body mounted on said receptacle over said outlet opening,

(b) a journal on said cap extending outwardly of said body,

(0) said journal having a longitudinal passageway therethrough communicating at its inner end with the interior of said receptacle and being open at its outer end,

(d) a spout mounted on said journal and formed with a bore rotatably receiving said journal and supporting the spout and cap for relative rotational and axial movement,

(e) said spout having a cavity therein terminating in a substantially rectangular discharge orifice, and communicating with the passageway in said journal,

(f) a stopper carried by said journal and having an end substantially rectangular in cross section adapted when the spout is in its innermost position relative to said journal to enter and fill said discharge orifice and close said orifice, and

(, g) cam means on said spout including two flat surfaces convering .toward said orifice with the edges of the spout at the orifice being parallel to said surfaces, said surfaces serving as cams engaging the outer end of said stopper and procuring inward movement of the stopper relative to the spout upon relative rotational movement of the spout and cap and rotational movement of the spout and cap upon inward longitudinal movement of the spout relative to the cap.

4. In a dispensing device for semi-liquid substances having a receptacle provided with an outlet opening and means for ejecting the substance outwardly from the receptacle and through said opening, the combination of,

(a) a cap having a body mounted on said receptacle over said outlet,

(b) a journal on said cap extending outwardly of said body,

(c) said journal having a longitudinal passageway therethrough communicating at its inner end with the interior of said receptacle and being open at its outer end,

(d) a spout mounted on said journal and formed with a bore rotatably receiving said journal and supporting the spout and cap for relative rotational and axial movement,

(e) said spout having a cavity therein terminating in a substantially rectangular discharge orifice with rounded corners and communicating with the passageway in said conduit,

(f) a stopper carried by said journal and having an end substantially rectangular in cross section with rounded corners adapted when the spout is in its innermost position relative to said journal to enter and fill said discharge orifice to close said orifice, and

(g) cam means on said spout extending up to said orifice and engaging the substantially rectangular end of said stopper and upon relative rotation between said spout and cap withdrawing said stopper from said orifice, said cam means when the spout is in its outermost position upon axial movement of said spout toward said cap directing said stopper into said orifice.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,630,944 3/1953 Wheaton 222-564 X 2,769,582 11/1956 Schlicksupp 222-621 X 3,221,952 12/1965 See 222521 X FOREIGN PATENTS 569,772 11/1957 Italy.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner. STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Examiner. 

1. IN A DISPENSING DEVICE FOR SEMI-LIQUID SUBSTANCES HAVING A RECEPTACLE PROVIDED WITH AN OUTLET OPENING AND MEANS FOR EJECTING THE SUBSTANCE OUTWARDLY FROM THE RECEPTACLE AND THROUGH SAID OPENING, THE COMBINATION OF, (A) A CAP HAVING A BODY MOUNTED ON SAID RECEPTACLE OVER SAID OUTLET OPENING, (B) A JOURNAL ON SAID CAP EXTENDING OUTWARDLY OF SAID BODY, (C) SAID JOURNAL HAVING A LONGITUDINAL PASSAGEWAY THERETHROUGH COMMUNICATING AT ITS INNER END WITH THE INTERIOR OF SAID RECEPTACLE AND BEING OPEN AT ITS OUTER END, (D) A SPOUT MOUNTED ON SAID JOURNAL AND FORMED WITH A BORE ROTATABLY RECEIVING SAID JOURNAL AND SUPPORTING THE SPOUT AND CAP FOR RELATIVE ROTATIONAL AND AXIAL MOVEMENT, 